DEAR ABBY: Last year, relatives said they would attend a party we were hosting. They didn't come, and we never received any reason why. We had to pay for their dinners. We may see them at an upcoming social event. How should we greet them? -- ANNOYED IN OHIO
DEAR ANNOYED: What your relatives did was rude and inconsiderate. When you see them, say hello and calmly ask why they didn't show up. Be polite, which they weren't -- and in the future remove them from your guest list if their answer doesn't satisfy you.